Do You Know the Differences Between Semi-, Demi-, Temporary and Permanent Hair Color?

Are you interested in coloring your hair, but you have no idea where to start? To be honest, all the options can seem overwhelming.  

The accomplished stylists at Societe Salon know there is a lot to consider. We have created a detailed guide to the different types of color treatments, explaining the pros and cons of each and linking these types to different hair goals.

This blog provides just about everything you need to know to help you begin your hair coloring journey. We also give you tips on maintaining your hair after coloring so you can get the most mileage out of it.

Schedule your appointment today to get the amazing hair color you have been imagining.

Temporary Hair Color: What it is, How it Works and Who it’s Good For

Temporary color doesn’t last long. In fact, the color will probably come out the next time you wash your hair. Temporary color is perfect if you just want a quick change that you’re going to have to commit to.

What is Temporary Hair Color?

Temporary hair color instantly adds color and comes out much faster than other hair color types. Stylists can apply it to the hair in liquid, chalk or powder form or with a mascara wand.

Temporary color allows you to experiment with different colors without a long-term commitment. It’s also good when you need to quickly cover up gray hairs.  

How Does Temporary Hair Color Work?

Temporary color sits on the surface of the hair shaft. The color molecules in temporary color products are much larger than other hair color formulas, which prevents them from penetrating the cuticle.

Temporary color forms a coating around the hair strand that rinses away with shampooing. There’s no chemical reaction triggered in your hair structure. That’s why temporary color is the gentlest way to change your hair color.

How Long it Lasts: Most temporary colors wash out completely with your next shampoo. However, if your hair was recently lightened or it is porous, you may see a subtle tint after washing your hair.

Does it Cover Gray Hairs? Yes, temporary hair color products can cover up grays if you are in a pinch. However, it’s more like camouflage. If you want to cover gray roots, you should use temporary color products that are specifically designed to do that.

Types of Temporary Hair Color

• Color sprays that can be quickly applied and dry fast
• Root touch-up powders and sticks, which are perfect for covering gray roots between color appointments
• Colored mousses and foams that stylists can easily distribute through the hair to provide even coverage
• Hair chalk and color wax is great for creative, bold colors with a matte finish
• Colored hair mascara that can be applied precisely and on small sections of hair

What Are the Best Uses for Temporary Hair Color?

Temporary is great for:

• Touching up your roots in between appointments with your stylist
• Trying out interesting colors for a special event
• Trying out colors before deciding on a permanent color
• Covering gray hair in an emergency when you don’t have time to see your stylist
• Creating fun, temporary looks for your kids
• Subtle highlights or lowlights

Important note: When temporary color is applied to light or recently bleached hair, you may see a slight stain that doesn’t come out until you wash your hair multiple times. This is especially true with blues, pinks and purples. It’s best to test temporary color on a small section first, especially if you are concerned about how it may look.

Can Temporary Color Damage Your Hair?

Temporary hair color is often marketed as a safe way to experiment with a new color, but is this true?

Yes, temporary color is probably not going to damage your hair. This is especially true if the color is applied carefully. Temporary colors sit on your hair’s surface and don’t penetrate the cuticle. This makes damage much less likely.

However, you need to keep some things in mind:

• Stick with High-Quality Temporary Color Products: Low-quality sprays, waxes or pigments often have alcohol or drying agents that can leave your hair feeling rough or brittle.
• Be Careful Using Temporary Color More Than Once: Using temporary color one time is usually safe, but frequent use of certain types of color, especially colored sprays or chalks, can create a buildup in your hair.
• Be Extra Careful if You Have Porous Hair: If your hair is already damaged, bleached, or highly porous, temporary color could fade in an odd way. This could give you hair an uneven texture or make it feel extra dry.

How to Apply Temporary Hair Color: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several steps in applying temporary hair color:

1. Choosing the Right Product for Your Hair Type

• Chalks and sprays work well for light-colored or pre-lightened hair.
• Color-depositing shampoos or conditioners are great for adding a soft tint or enhancing existing color tones.
• Hair makeup (gels or creams) gives you more control and some of the more interesting colors. This is an ideal option for coloring certain sections or strands of hair.

2. Make Sure Your Hair is Clean and Dry

• Wash your hair to remove any oils or styling products that could prevent color from adhering to your hair.
• Let your hair dry completely, because temporary color doesn’t stick well to wet hair.

3. Protect Your Skin and Clothing

• Wear an old t-shirt or salon cape to prevent damage to your clothes.
• Use gloves, especially if you are using a spray or a bright color.
• Apply petroleum jelly or a protective barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and neck. That way your skin won’t get stained.

4. Divide Your Hair Into Sectiosn

• Use clips to divide your hair into sections. This helps prevent uneven coverage or clumping in one area.

5. Apply the Color

• For sprays: Hold the can 6–8 inches from your head and apply it in light layers, almost like you’re spray painting.
• For chalks: Rub the chalk directly onto your hair and use heat to seal it in if need be.
• For conditioners/shampoos: Apply evenly through the hair in the shower and leave on as the bottle directs.
• For creams or gels: Use your fingers or an applicator brush to paint on the color.

6. Let It Set

• Allow the product to set, according to the instructions. Sometimes you need to use a blow dryer to lock in the color.
• Don’t touch your hair until it’s completely dry.

Semi-Permanent (Gloss) Hair Color: What it is, How it Can Subtly Enhance Color and who is it Good For

Semi-permanent color involves a little more commitment than temporary color. It’s a good option if you have not colored your hair before and want a subtle change.

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Semi-permanent hair color, which is also called gloss, can change your hair’s color tone, but it doesn’t lighten or darken color. It’s sort of like demi-permanent color, because the dye is still on the surface of the hair.

It is important to note that semi-permanent color does not cover 100 percent of gray hair. These color formulas are not designed to do that.

This option is best for those who want a short-term change to their hair color. Semi-permanent hair color is not going to alter the structure of your hair.

How Does Semi-Permanent Hair Color Work?

Semi-permanent color contains no ammonia and little to no peroxide, so it only coats the outside of your hair shaft. The dye doesn’t go deep inside the hair shaft. The color molecules are smaller than those in temporary colors, allowing them to slip slightly past the cuticle, but they don’t penetrate to the hair’s cortex. Think of it like putting a tinted film over your hair rather than changing its internal structure.

Duration: You can wash your hair about 4-8 times before semi-permanent gloss fades away. The duration depends on the porosity of your hair, how often you wash it, and the products you use. The good news is it’s going to fade evenly, so you won’t see a sharp line, also called a root line. That means you can grow out your hair without worrying how the colors are going to look.

Gray coverage: Semi-permanent color isn’t your go-to if gray coverage is your main goal. It might blend a few stray grays by adding tonal depth, but it won’t cover them completely. Think of it as helping grays blend rather than truly covering them. If you want gray coverage, you need to look into other coloring options.

What Are the Best Uses For Semi-Permanent Color?

• Adding a lot of shine, which is why it’s called gloss
• Refresh color that had faded in between permanent coloring sessions
• Lighten up brassiness or warm tones
• Add subtle dimension and richness to your hair’s natural color
• Slightly darken your natural color
• Enhance your current color without causing a significant change
• Add moisture and improve hair’s overall condition

How to Apply Semi-Permanent Color

Professional vs. at-home: You can certainly use store-bought gloss. However, salon glosses typically provide more noticeable results and can be custom-mixed to address your specific color needs. The elite stylists at Société Salon can formulate a gloss that perfectly complements your skin tone and existing hair color.

The experience: This is a pretty easy process when you consider how long other color treatments could take. The product is applied to damp hair, left on for about 20 minutes, and then rinsed out. There’s no complicated mixing or strong chemical smells.

Can Semi-Permanent Color Damage Your Hair?

Generally, no, semi-permanent color is not going to damage your hair. This is because it is not altering the internal structure of your hair. These formulas don’t have harsh chemicals and there is no need to use a developer, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Demi-Permanent Hair Color: Why it is the Perfect Middle Ground Color Option

Think of demi-permanent as “the middle ground” option in the hair color world. It’s not permanent, but it is going to last a lot longer than temporary or semi-permanent hair color.

What is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

Demi-permanent color is a great idea if you want to cover the first signs of gray or you want to temporarily try something new.

How Demi-Permanent Hair Color Works

Demi-permanent color contains no ammonia but does have a low volume of developer (usually around 10 volume peroxide). This allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle more than semi-permanent color, but not all the way to the cortex. It deposits color into the outer layers of the hair shaft but doesn’t permanently change your hair structure.

The science behind it: The gentle developer slightly opens the cuticle, allowing the color molecules to penetrate partway into the hair shaft. Without ammonia, the process is gentle and doesn’t alter your hair’s fundamental structure. Once the color molecules are deposited, they gradually wash out over time as they’re too large to be locked permanently into the cortex.

Duration: You should be able to shampoo your hair several times without the color fading. Once you hit about 12-24 washes, you should expect the color to slowly fade. Like semi-permanent color, it fades gradually without obvious roots, so your hair continues to look good while it grows out. However, you need to be aware that hot water, harsh shampoos and sun exposure can cause the color to fade more quickly.

Gray coverage: Demi-permanent color is great if you are just starting to see gray hair. Demi-permanent formulas are perfect for blending when you’re in that awkward “not enough gray to warrant permanent color, but enough to be annoying” phase. If your hair is less than 30 percent gray, demi-permanent can beautifully blend your gray hair while maintaining a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Demi-Permanent Color?

• More noticeable color change that lasts longer than a gloss
• Ability to darken your natural shade by 1-2 levels
• Rich tones and dimensions that look natural
• Blending early gray hairs
• Helping to neutralize unwanted colors
• Enhanced shine and improved hair condition
• The ability to experiment with darker shades before committing to a more permanent option
• A gentle option that doesn’t damage your hair

Can Demi-Permanent Hair Color Cause Damage?

Damage is unlikely because there is no ammonia. These formulas do contain a low-volume developer, so the color goes just below the cuticle. That allows the color to last a few weeks, but it doesn’t lift the natural color.

However, damage could happen under the following conditions:

• Over-processing: Reapplying too frequently, especially without proper conditioning in between, can leave hair feeling coated or weighed down.
• Pre-existing damage: If your hair is already compromised from heat styling, bleaching, or chemical treatments, even a gentle color can make breakage or uneven texture worse.
• Low-quality box dyes: Formulas from stores may not be as balanced or conditioning as salon-grade options.

Applying Demi-Permanent Color

1. Consultation – Your stylist needs to:

• Evaluate your hair type, texture, and condition
• Discuss your hair goals (refresh, deepen tone, blend grays, etc.)
• Review any previous color applications to determine the best color formula for your hair’s needs and avoid buildup.

2. Sectioning and Prep

• Hair is carefully sectioned so the color can be applied evenly.
• We may clarify the hair beforehand if there’s buildup from products, hard water, or previous color treatments. Your hair needs to be clean so it will properly absorb the color.

3. Color Mixing

• Your stylist will mix a custom demi-permanent formula using a professional color line and a low-volume developer (typically 5 or 10 volume).
• Demi-permanent formulas often contain conditioning agents and shine enhancers, making them perfect for reviving dull or tired hair.

4. Application

• Color is applied thoroughly from roots to ends (or wherever needed), depending on your goals.
• Application is quick and smooth, and stylists use precise techniques to avoid banding or uneven color.

5. Processing Time

• The color processes for 20 to 30 minutes.
• No heat is usually required unless your stylist recommends it to help the color get absorbed into your hair.
• Color processing means the pigments gently enter your hair just beneath the cuticle without disrupting your natural color structure.

6. Rinse and Conditioning

• After processing, the color is rinsed out using cool to lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle.
• A salon-grade conditioner or mask is applied to lock in moisture and enhance your hair’s shine.

7. Styling and Reveal

• Your stylist finishes with a blow-dry and style.
• You’ll immediately notice enhanced shine, softness, and richer tone.

Many clients notice their hair feels better after demi-permanent color than before!

Permanent Hair Color: The Complete Transformation

If you’re ready for a big change, such as if you have experimented with temporary coloring and are now ready to commit to a color, it’s time for permanent color. You should also use permanent color if you are looking for significant gray coverage. Permanent color provides a true transformation.

What is Permanent Hair Color?

Permanent hair dye penetrates the cuticle, changing color and structure. Your stylist has to mix the dye with a developer and activator before applying to your hair. Once applied, it opens the cuticle, allowing the dye to move into the hair follicles. While permanent color eventually fades, it never truly leaves your hair.

How Does Permanent Hair Color Work?

Permanent color has ammonia that opens the hair cuticle. This allows the color molecules to penetrate deep into the hair. Developer (hydrogen peroxide) removes your natural hair pigment while the new color molecules move in. This process permanently changes the color and structure of your hair.

The chemistry: The ammonia causes the cuticle to lift. This allows the developer (hydrogen peroxide) to penetrate and break down the natural pigments in your hair. While this is happening, the dye enters the hair shaft.

Duration: Permanent color doesn’t wash out, it grows out with your hair. The hair at your roots will still be your natural color. Most clients need root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to maintain seamless color.

Gray coverage: Permanent hair dye can cover all your gray hair. The ammonia and developer allow the color to fully penetrate gray hairs, including hairs that resisted other coloring formulas.

What Permanent Color Can Do

• Provide complete, reliable gray coverage
• Lighten your natural hair color (up to 3-4 levels without bleach)
• Create dramatic dark-to-light transformations
• Deliver rich, vibrant long-lasting color
• Change your hair color completely
• Offer consistent color from roots to ends
• Create the foundation for vibrant colors

Types of Permanent Hair Color

• Traditional permanent color: The standard option to cover up gray hair and your natural color changes within a few levels.
• High-lift color: Can lighten hair about 3-4 levels
• Bleach and tone: This significantly lightens your hair and prepares it for fashion colors
• Fashion colors: These are colors outside the natural color spectrum that you can only get by lightening your hair before applying the color
• Highlights and lowlights: These techniques add lighter or darker strands throughout the hair
• Balayage: Hand-painted highlights that create a natural, sun-kissed effect
• Face-framing highlights: This brightens the hair around your face

Does Permanent Hair Color Damage Your Hair?

Yes, permanent hair dye can damage your hair because it has ammonia and other harsh chemicals. However, your stylist can prevent damage by applying the color properly. At Société Salon, we are committed to minimizing the risk, so you get beautiful color without sacrificing your hair’s health.

Why Permanent Color Can Be Damaging

Ammonia and developers change the structure of your hair, which could lead to:

• Dryness or brittleness, especially in finer or already damaged hair
• Weakened strands, particularly if you lighten your hair multiple levels
• Color fading or uneven results if you do not maintain it properly

When Permanent Color Becomes Risky

The risk of damage to hair goes up if:

• Your hair is already chemically treated (e.g., bleached, relaxed, or permed)
• Color is applied too frequently without allowing hair to recover
• A box dye is used incorrectly at home
• There’s no follow-up conditioning routine

How Société Salon Protects Your Hair

The experienced hair stylists at Société Salon are color experts with a deep understanding of how to keep hair healthy during and after the coloring process.

Here’s what we do to help prevent damage:

• We mix just the right developer strength and pigment ratio for your hair’s texture, color goals and condition.
• We are careful to avoid over-processing your hair.
• We recommend salon-grade shampoos and masks and provide practical maintenance tips.

The Bottom Line

Yes, permanent color is the most intense of the four types, but in the right hands, it doesn’t have to ruin your hair. In fact, many of our clients leave Société Salon with color-treated hair that’s shinier and healthier-looking than before.

Choosing the Right Hair Color Type: A Decision Guide

With so many options available, how do you know which type of hair color is right for you? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make your choice.

Deciding Based on Your Gray Hair Situation

No Grays:

• Any color type works
• Consider semi or demi-permanent
• Use permanent color only if you want a big change

A Few Grays (Under 25 percent):

• Demi-permanent is ideal for naturally blending gray hair
• Semi-permanent color can cover up a few gray hairs
• Highlights or lowlights can camouflage gray hairs scattered around your scalp

Significant Amount of Gray Hair (25-50 percent):

• Demi-permanent might work, but results may vary depending on how easily your hair accepts color
• Permanent color is becoming necessary for complete coverage
• Consider a permanent color at the roots with demi-permanent color on the ends

Mostly Gray (over 50 percent):

• Permanent color is your best bet for reliable coverage
• Consider highlights along with all-over color to add dimension to your hair
• You will need regular maintenance to achieve seamless results

Deciding Based on Your Desired Change

I just want shine and tone enhancement:

• Semi-permanent gloss is perfect
• Consider a clear gloss for shine without a change in your hair color

I want to go darker:

• Demi or permanent will both work effectively
• Choose demi for less commitment and gentler processing
• Choose permanent for more dramatic or long-lasting results

I want to go lighter:

• Permanent color is necessary
• High-lift color can take you 2-3 levels lighter without bleach
• Bleach and tone is required for more dramatic lightening
• Highlights, balayage or foilayage can add lighter dimensions

I just want to cover my roots between appointments:

• Temporary color products designed for root touch-up
• Color sprays, powders or sticks work well for quick fixes

I want vibrant fashion colors:

• Usually requires permanent processing with bleach first
• Semi-permanent fashion colors are applied over pre-lightened hair
• Maintenance involves regular toning and color refreshing

Deciding Based on Your Hair Health

If you have damaged hair:

• Consider semi or demi-permanent, which are more conditioning
• Avoid overlapping permanent color or bleach
• Focus on improving condition before major color changes
• Ask about bond-building additives like Olaplex or K18

If you have virgin hair that has never been colored:

• Any option works well
• Your hair will likely respond predictably to color processing
• Consider starting with less permanent options to test your preferences

If your hair was previously colored:

• Be careful about overlapping permanent color
• Professional color correction may be needed before a dramatic change
• Consider color-removing processes for major changes

If you have fine or fragile hair:

• Semi or demi-permanent options minimize stress on delicate hair
• Consider foils or balayage rather than lightening all your hair
• Ask about lower-volume developers when possible

Based on Your Maintenance Preferences

Low maintenance:

• Semi or demi-permanent color because it gradually fades
• Balayage or dimensional color that grows out naturally
• Root shadows or smudged root techniques that soften the grow-out process

Don’t mind regular appointments:

• Permanent color for all-over changes
• Traditional foil highlights for maximum lightness
• Bold or vibrant fashion colors that require frequent refreshing

Just want the occasional pop of color:

• Temporary options for special events
• Demi-permanent for seasonal changes
• Face-framing highlights that can be changed relatively easily

The Pros and Cons of Each Type of Hair Color

Each hair coloring option has advantages and disadvantages. Below, we dig into the plusses and minuses of each one:

Semi-Permanent (Gloss)

Pros:

• Does not damage the structure of your hair
• Often leaves hair shinier
• Makes hair feel healthier
• The color does not grow out harshly as it fades
• Great starter option for those who have not colored their hair before
• Ideal for refreshing color between permanent appointments
• Can be changed relatively quickly if you don’t like the result
• Often adds moisture and condition to the hair
• Can do a great job neutralizing unwanted tones

Cons:

• Limited gray coverage; in fact, semi-permanent color does more blending than covering
• Can’t lighten hair
• Doesn’t last long, as it typically comes out after 4-8 hair washes
• Limited color options within a few shades of your natural color
• May fade unevenly on porous or damaged hair
• Results can be unpredictable on hair that has already been colored

Demi-Permanent

Pros:

• Minimal damage to hair structure
• Does an excellent job shining and conditioning hair
• Blends early grays effectively
• Gradual fade-out without harsh lines
• More color options than semi-permanent
• Can darken hair 1-2 levels
• Great for enhancing natural color
• Adds depth and dimension
• Gentle on the scalp
• Good option for those with sensitive skin

Cons:

• Won’t cover stubborn or abundant gray
• Can’t lighten hair
• Requires more frequent application than permanent color, often every 4-6 weeks
• Limited lifting capability
• May fade faster on frequently washed hair
• Can build up with repeated applications
• Slightly less predictable than permanent color

Temporary Hair Color

Pros:

• Zero commitment, as it washes out right away
• No damage to hair structure whatsoever
• Fun for experimentation and special events
• Easy to apply at home without professional help
• Great for emergency situations (job interviews, photos, events)
• Can be used between salon appointments
• Available in natural and fashion shades
• No processing time required
• No chemical smell

Cons:

• Very short-lived results (1-2 shampoos maximum)
• Can be messy or transfer to clothing, pillowcases, etc.
• Limited color options for natural-looking results
• Uneven application can happen easily
• May feel dry or stiff on the hair
• Some products can flake off
• May stain very light or porous hair
• Limited gray coverage
• Results often look less natural than salon color

Permanent Hair Color

Pros:

• Complete, reliable gray coverage
• Long-lasting results
• Can both lighten and darken hair
• Most dramatic results possible
• Widest range of color options
• Consistent, predictable results
• Doesn’t wash out over time
• Can create dramatic transformations
• Available in countless shades and tones
• Creates a blank canvas for fashion colors when bleaching

Cons:

• Potential for damage, especially with repeated use
• Visible roots as hair grows
• Difficult to change once done
• Requires regular maintenance (every 4-6 weeks)
• More complicated to do yourself and have the results you want
• Contains stronger chemicals
• Can dry out your hair if you aren’t careful
• It’s harder to correct permanent color if you don’t like the results
• It’s a long-term commitment

Can You Go From Demi-Permanent to Permanent Hair Color?

Yes, you can absolutely transition from demi-permanent to permanent hair color. Many clients start with demi-permanent to test a shade or reduce damage, then switch to permanent for longer-lasting results. At Société Salon, we’ll assess your hair’s health and color history to ensure a smooth transition with minimal risk to your hair.

Can You Transition From Permanent to Demi-Permanent Color?

You can switch from permanent to demi-permanent color, but it depends on your hair goals. Demi-permanent color won’t lighten your hair, so it’s best for darkening, enhancing, or refreshing tones. It’s a great option if you want to reduce damage and maintain a softer, more natural look.

Can Stylists Use Semi-Permanent and Permanent Color Together?

This is an option. Professional stylists often use semi-permanent and permanent color together. For example, we might use permanent color on the roots for full gray coverage and a semi-permanent gloss on the ends to refresh tone and add shine without further processing.

Why Trust the Professionals at Société Salon

At Société Salon, our trusted stylists bring an exceptional level of training and expertise to every appointment.

The science behind our expertise: Our stylists have deep knowledge of the complex chemistry behind hair coloring processes. They understand how different color molecules interact with hair proteins, the oxidation reactions in permanent colors, how ammonia alters hair’s pH to allow color penetration, and the precise formulation of developers containing hydrogen peroxide.

We know exactly how semi-permanent glosses coat the hair shaft, how demi-permanent colors partially penetrate the cuticle, and why permanent colors create lasting chemical changes.

Whether you’re seeking to blend your first grays with demi-permanent color, refresh your look with a semi-permanent gloss, or commit to a vibrant new color, our team combines their technical knowledge, creative vision, and personalized approach to deliver results that enhance your natural beauty.

Services We Offer at Société Salon

Our salon provides a comprehensive range of color services to meet every need:

• Single Process Color All-over color application, perfect for complete gray coverage or changing your hair to a new shade. This color application is available in permanent or demi-permanent formulations.
• Corrective Color Specialized service to fix color problems like brassiness, uneven results or tones you would like to get rid of. Our experts can transform problematic color into the beautiful result you originally wanted.
• Face Frame Highlights Brightening just around the face to add dimension and a youthful glow. Perfect for those wanting a subtle change or low maintenance option.
• Partial Highlights Strategic highlighting focused mainly on the top and sides of the hair for movement and dimension without a full commitment.
• Full Highlights Complete highlighting throughout the hair for maximum lightness and dimension. Ideal for significant brightening and dramatic changes.
• Partial Balayage Hand-painted highlights focused primarily around the face and top layers for a natural, sun-kissed effect with little maintenance required.
• Full Balayage Comprehensive hand-painted highlight technique throughout the entire head, creating natural-looking dimension and movement.
• Brow Tint Professional eyebrow coloring that complements your hair color and enhances your facial features. Available in semi-permanent formulations so it looks completely natural.

When Should I Have a Professional Stylist Color My Hair?

Sometimes you can color your hair at home and get great results, but sometimes it is much better to see a professional hair stylist:

Major color changes (especially going lighter) Lightening hair is a complex chemical process that can easily go wrong without proper knowledge.

First-time permanent color If you’ve never colored your hair before, starting with professional application ensures you’ll get results you love without damaging your virgin hair.

Corrective color Fixing a color gone wrong requires advanced knowledge of color theory and chemical processes that most laypeople don’t possess. Experienced stylists also have hands-on experience fixing coloring gone wrong.

Highlights, balayage, or other multi-dimensional techniques These artistic techniques require special tools, precise sectioning, and skilled application that comes from years of training and practice.

Fashion colors or creative work Vibrant non-natural shades typically require pre-lightening and expert application to achieve even, long-lasting results.

When dealing with resistant grays Stubborn gray hair often needs specialized formulations and techniques to ensure complete coverage and natural-looking results.

When changing from dark to light This complex process often requires multiple sessions and careful formulation to prevent damage and unwanted tones.

When you have a special event coming up Don’t experiment before important occasions—trust professionals to deliver reliable, beautiful results when it matters most.

How to Make Your Hair Color Last Longer

No matter what type of color you choose, these expert tips from our Société Salon stylists will help you make color last as long as possible:

Immediate post-color care:

• Wait 48-72 hours after coloring before shampooing to allow the cuticle to close fully
• When you do wash, use lukewarm or cool water—hot water opens the cuticle and releases color molecules
• Apply a color-sealing treatment immediately after coloring to help lock in the color

Product recommendations:

• Use professional color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
• Incorporate weekly color-depositing masks to refresh tone between appointments
• Apply leave-in UV protectants to shield against sun damage
• Use thermal protectants before heat styling to prevent color fading

Styling considerations:

• Reduce heat styling when possible—excessive heat can fade color faster
• If you must use heat tools, use the lowest effective temperature
• Consider air-drying partially before blow-drying to reduce heat exposure

Environmental protection:

• Cover your hair at the beach or pool (chlorine and salt water accelerate color fading)
• Wear hats or use UV-specific hair products in strong sunlight
• Consider installing a shower filter if you have hard water, which can deposit minerals that dull color
• Protect hair from chlorine by wetting it with regular water before swimming

Maintenance schedule:

• Schedule regular gloss treatments between permanent color services
• Book root touch-ups before the contrast becomes too obvious (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Consider partial services between full color applications to extend your color’s life

Hair Color Myths: Busted by Our Experts

Our color specialists at Société Salon want to clear up some common misconceptions:

Myth: All Hair Color Damages Your Hair

Truth: Semi and demi-permanent colors can improve Your Hair’s Condition

Even permanent color has become much gentler with modern formulations that include conditioning agents and bond-building technology.

Myth: You Can’t Color Your Hair While Pregnant

Truth: While You Need to Be Cautious, Modern Color Options Like Ammonia-Free Formulas Are Generally Safe.

Many obstetricians approve hair coloring during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. Always consult your doctor and opt for gentler options like highlights that don’t contact the scalp or ammonia-free formulas.

Myth: Permanent Color Makes Your Hair Fall Out

Truth: Properly Applied Permanent Color Shouldn’t Cause Hair Loss

Although overprocessing can lead to breakage that might be confused with hair loss. Quality products applied by professionals minimize this risk.

Myth: Coloring Gray Hair Makes More Appear

Truth: Coloring Has No Effect on How Many Gray Hairs You Have or Will Develop

Your amount of gray hair is determined by genetics and aging. The contrast between colored hair and new gray growth can make it seem like you have more grays, but it’s just perception.

Myth: You Can’t Go Back to Your Natural Color After Dyeing

Truth: You Can Return to Your Natural Color, But it Might Take Time and Professional Help for a Smooth Transition.

There’s no such thing as “permanent” when it comes to hair. That’s because it’s always growing.

Myth: Natural/Herbal Hair Colors are Chemical-Free

Truth: All Hair Color Contains Chemicals—Even Henna and Other Plant-Based Dyes.

Natural doesn’t automatically mean gentle or safe for everyone.

Myth: Box Color and Professional Color are Basically the Same

Truth: Professional Color Lines Offer More Customization Options, Precise Developer Strengths, and Generally Contain More Conditioning Ingredients.

The biggest difference is who is applying the color. Your best bet is to have a professional stylist apply the color.

Myth: Plucking Gray Hairs Causes More to Grow

Truth: Plucking a Gray Hair Only Removes That Single Follicle

It doesn’t cause more to appear. However, repeatedly plucking can damage the follicle and lead to no hair growth.

Myth: Hair Color Can’t Be Customized

Truth: Professional Colorists Can Custom Mix Endless Combinations to Create Your Perfect Shade

At Société Salon, we often blend multiple formulas to achieve exactly the right result for each client.

Finding Your Perfect Hair Color Match

If you’re new to hair coloring, why not start with a semi-permanent gloss to get a feel for what a slight change can do? If you’re dealing with grays but aren’t ready for monthly root touch-ups, a demi-permanent option might be your sweet spot. And if you’re ready for a complete transformation or total gray coverage, permanent color will give you the most dramatic and long-lasting results.

Remember that most people end up using different types of hair color throughout their lives as their needs change. You might want to start with a gloss, transition to demi-permanent as grays appear, and eventually embrace permanent color for full coverage. You can also use some temporary root touch-up products between appointments.

Whatever you choose, you need to know that today’s hair color options are more gentle and conditioning than ever before, making it a great time to experiment and find your perfect shade and formula with the guidance of an elite stylist at Société Salon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Hair Color

How Long Should You Wait Between Color Applications?

It’s best to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between permanent or demi-permanent coloring to give your hair time to recover. However, timing may vary based on the type of color, your hair’s condition, and your goals. At Société Salon, we assess your hair’s needs before recommending a touch-up schedule. We want you to have amazing color while maintaining your hair’s health.

Can I Use Kool-Aid for Semi-Permanent Color?

Yes, you read that right. Some people use Kool-Aid to color their hair, but this is not recommended. You may end up staining your hair and it is difficult to remove from your hair. You are better off using salon-quality products.

Is Demi-Permanent Color Safe for All Types of Hair?

Yes—demi-permanent color is generally safe for most hair types, including fine, coarse, and textured hair. It’s especially good for those wanting to enhance tone or blend grays without the commitment of permanent color.

Is Semi-Permanent Color Safe for All Hair Types?

Absolutely. Semi-permanent color is one of the gentlest options available and works well on all hair types, including curly, color-treated, or fragile hair. Because it doesn’t use ammonia or developer, it’s a great way to experiment with color or refresh your tone without damage.

Is There a Way to Remove Demi-Permanent Color More Quickly?

Yes—clarifying shampoos, vitamin C treatments, or professional color removers can help fade demi-permanent color faster. However, results vary depending on your hair’s porosity and the specific dye. If you’re looking to remove color safely, our stylists can recommend the best approach to avoid damaging your hair.

Ready for Your Color Transformation?

The stylists at Société Salon are ready to help you navigate your hair color journey with expertise and personalized attention. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or a dramatic change, our team has the knowledge, training, and creativity to bring your vision to life while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.

Contact us today to schedule a color consultation and discover the perfect hair color solution for your unique needs. Let us show you why so many have trusted us to create amazing hair.